Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 boat specs
Sunsation
Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005
2005
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VS
Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010 boat specs
Sunsation
Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010
2010
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Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 vs Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 vs Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 at 28,0 ft versus Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010 at 28,7 ft. At 465 lbs and 425 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.

Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Bottom line: The Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 and Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010 are closely matched on the specs that matter most. Test-ride both on the water you actually use, check current dealer pricing, and factor in long-term service access before you sign.
General Boat Info
MakeSunsation
MakeSunsation
Model288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow
Model288 S Performance
Model Year2005
Model Year201
Measurements / Dimensions
Beam97 in
Beam97 in
Beam - Meters2.46
Beam - Meters2.46
Beam - Inches97
Beam - Inches97
Deadrise24℃
Deadrise24℃
Draft [max] - Detail36 in
Draft [max] - Detail36 in
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Meters0.91
Draft [max] - Inches36
Draft [max] - Inches36
Weight - Detail4,650 lbs
Weight - Detail4,250 lbs
Weight - kg2109.2
Weight - kg1927.77
Weight - lbs.465
Weight - lbs.425
Length - Feet28
Length - Feet28.67
Length - Inches8
Length - Inchesnot available
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Detail28 ft. 8 in
Length overall - Meters8.74
Length overall - Meters8.74
Length overall - Inches344
Length overall - Inches344
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Detail95 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Detail110 gal
Fuel tank capacity - Liters359.61
Fuel tank capacity - Liters416.4
Fuel tank capacity - Gal95
Fuel tank capacity - Gal11
Drive typeInboard
Drive typeI/O
Engine/s standardnot available
Engine/s standardMX 6.2 MPI 320 hp - Bravo One
Fuel typenot available
Fuel typeGas or Diesel
Operational Info
Water capacity3 gal
Water capacitynot available
Body / Hull
Hull materialnot available
Hull materialFiberglass
Hull typenot available
Hull typeModified Vee

Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 vs Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 or the Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010?
The Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010 is the longer of the two at 28,7 feet overall. The Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 comes in at 28,0 feet, making it roughly 0,7 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
Which is easier to trailer — the Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 or the Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010?
For trailering, the Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010 has the edge at 425 lbs dry weight versus 465 lbs for the Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005. Add a motor (typically 300–500 lbs for an outboard in this class), gear, and a partial fuel load and the difference grows. Lighter is friendlier on smaller tow vehicles and on fuel economy while hauling.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 is Coast Guard rated for 8 passengers, while the Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010 is certified for 8. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Do these boats require an oversize trailer permit to tow on US highways?
Both the Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 and Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010 share an 97 in beam — meaning both sit right at the 8’6" threshold that most US states use for standard-width loads. In most states you can tow at that width without a special permit, but regulations vary. Always check the rules for your state and any states you'll be passing through before your first long haul.
Which boat has the larger fuel tank — the Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 or the Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010?
The Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 has the bigger tank at 95 gallons, versus 11 gallons on the Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010. That 84-gallon difference translates to roughly 252–420 nautical miles of additional range at cruising speed, depending on motor, load, and conditions.
Are the Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 and Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Sunsation 288 Mid-Cabin Open Bow 2005 and the Sunsation 288 S Performance 2010 are built by Sunsation. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.